PM Transcripts

J4 AUSTHALIA Press Statement No. 392
3 December 1974
TEXTILES AUTHORITY REPORT YARNS, KNITTED FABICS AND
TOWELLING
The Prime Minister, Mr Whitlam, announced today
that, following consideration of a report by the Textiles
Authority within the Industries Assistance Commission, the
Government had decided to introduce tariff quotas on imported
acrylic apparel yarns, knitted or crocheted fabrics of
man-made fibres and terry towels. Mr Whitlam stated that the
Textiles Authority had found that imports in these areas were
causing market disruption. Mr Whitlam also released the
Authority's report and an exchange of correspondence between
the Standing Interdepartmental Committee on Assistance to
Industries and the Commission.
. Mr Whitlam said that the Government did not
consider it appropriate to attempt to negotiate voluntary restraints
on the basis recommended by the Authority. Therefore the
Government had decided to accept the Authority's alternative
recommendation that other means such as tariff quotas be used
to achieve a similar measure of assistance to the domestic
industry. Mr Whitlam said that the tariff quotas which were
being introduced consistently with Australia's rights and
obligations under the GATT would remain in effect for the next
12 months and that this form of assistance would be reviewed
within that period. Mr Whitlam. said that he would be sending a reference
to the Industries Assistance Commission for inquiry and report
on the long-term assistance requirements of the sectors of the
Australian industry concerned.
Mr Whitlam added that tariff quotas would apply to
all imports of the products concerned cleared for home consumption
after the date of this announcement. The policy aspects of the
administration of the tariff quotas will be the responsibility of
the Minister for Manufacturing Industry who will announce detailed
arrangements in the near future. Copies of the Textiles Authority's
report and related correspondence are now available.
CANBERRA. A. C. T.